The ideal time to visit Tanzania

With abundant wildlife, stunning islands, vibrant markets, and warm-hearted locals, Tanzania offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be uncovered.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Zanzibar Island, gaze at an elephant framed by a baobab tree in Tarangire National Park, trek up steep slopes to meet chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Tanzania.

No matter your interests, this guide will assist you in planning the perfect timing for your visit, providing insights on everything from the seasonal wildebeest migration to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and attending local festivals.

From June to September, wildlife-watching is at its peak.

This period marks Tanzania’s cooler, dry high season. The wildebeest make their journey northward toward the lush grasses of Kenya’s Masai Mara, the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro are free of mud, and the beaches of Zanzibar invite visitors. It’s an excellent time to explore, though expect higher prices and larger crowds.

During July and August, as the dry season deepens, animals gather around dwindling water supplies and vegetation becomes scarce. Wildlife spotting becomes easier, making safari season truly shine. Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania is bustling with animals, and in western Tanzania’s Katavi, large pods of hippos vie for space around the remaining mud wallows. In Gombe and Mahale Mountains parks, chimpanzees venture lower on the slopes, making them easier to track.

The dry season is also perfect for trekking on Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru in Arusha National Park, as well as hiking in the Usambara Mountains of northeastern Tanzania. Coastal temperatures and humidity are milder, and while the islands may be crowded, they remain delightful.

For safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, and island retreats, early bookings are crucial.

The period from October to February is ideal for birdwatching and experiencing fewer tourists.

October marks the beginning of Tanzania’s shoulder season, where sunny and mostly dry weather prevails, making it a great time for wildlife viewing with significantly fewer crowds. Parks like Tarangire, which shine in the late dry season, are especially rewarding. Additionally, October sees the jacarandas bloom, particularly in the northern regions around Moshi and Arusha, as well as in the southwest near Mbeya; walking beneath their vibrant purple canopies on a carpet of lavender petals is a breathtaking experience.

As November arrives and the short rains begin, mango season kicks off—look for buckets of juicy fruit along the roadsides starting late in the month. This also marks the beginning of prime birdwatching season, with the first migrants arriving from the north.

During the holiday season from mid-December to early January, prices soar temporarily, but many lodges and camps provide attractive shoulder-season rates before and after this period.

February generally brings the highest temperatures, particularly along the coast, but it’s also the peak season for birdwatching across the country. The southeastern Serengeti is bustling with activity due to the wildebeest calving season. Additionally, February is the prime time for witnessing orchids in Kitulo National Park and enjoying the highlands blanketed in wildflowers.

In northern Tanzania, the warm, dry months from December to February are perfect for trekking Kilimanjaro, while the shoulder season on the coast is ideal for spotting whale sharks near Mafia Island.

From March to May, you'll find lush landscapes and more affordable prices.

Mid to late March signals the onset of Tanzania's primary rainy season, with heavy rains transforming roads and hiking trails into mud. Many lodges, particularly along the coast and in southern and western safari areas, close their doors, while those that remain open typically provide significant discounts.

Despite the rain, ample sunshine persists, making this a perfect time for cultural immersion and exploration away from the tourist crowds. The country’s scenery is vibrantly green, and visitor numbers drop significantly. Between late April—when the rains start to decrease—and early June, wildebeest begin their trek northwest from their calving grounds in the southeastern Serengeti, and vividly colored birds become easy to spot, especially the males in their striking breeding plumage.

There’s always a festival happening!

Whenever you visit Tanzania, you'll likely encounter a festival or event taking place somewhere in the country. Early February on Zanzibar features the vibrant Sauti za Busara festival, while late February in Moshi hosts the community-focused Kilimanjaro Marathon. On Zanzibar again, look out for the Zanzibar International Film Festival in late June and the Mwaka Kogwa celebrations in late July. A standout event on the mainland around October or November is the Bagamoyo Festival of Arts and Culture.